There are students who challenge themselves everyday to try a tough exercise. For them, there is no such thing as impossible. I'm sure that almost every Inha University student has seen them playing their high bar performances. They are “Barcrobatic Soulz”. We, The Inha Times, met the manager of the Barcrobatic Soulz, Kim Ho Yeon. He told us their story.

The Inha Times (IT): First of all, thank you for this interview. Please introduce Barcrobatic Soulz to all Inha University students.

Kim Ho Yeon:　Barcrobatic Soulz are the first and only university club of street workout, a physical activity which is performed outdoors. We are already known as the ones who do some acrobatic movements on the horizontal bars. But anyone with no previous experience of this exercise can join us, since we manage our members with a well-organized level system. And we have regular meetings near the bars by the sports field of Inha University at 7 o’clock on Tuesday evenings.

IT: I think that street workouts are not a form of exercise that we commonly encounter. What made you guys start this activity?

Kim Ho Yeon: In the beginning, we tried to research the types of exercise that anyone can enjoy without the need for special equipment. Then we found videos of street workouts through SNS. We began copying the acrobatic movements while watching the videos, and from then on Barcrobatic Soulz was born!

IT: How do your members practice for performances, and how long does it usually take for members to try amazing stunts on the high bar?

Kim Ho Yeon: The training process depends on one’s level, ranging from 1 to 5. Usually, it requires at least 1 year and takes as long as 2 years to reach level 5. When a member wants to join the performance team, he is required to be at level 3 before going through a selection evaluation, but most of our more capable performers are at level 5.

IT: It looks quite dangerous when your members perform some of their most impressive tricks. Don’t injuries sometimes occur?

Kim Ho Yeon: Yes, they do. It is not unusual for members to get hurt, from small abrasions to fractures, ligament damage, or even concussion, there's always a danger of injury. We always have some first aid equipment close to hand just in case there are any injuries.

IT: Does Barcrobatic Soulz promote its street workouts beyond the university and in a more public arena?

Kim Ho Yeon: Yes, we really do. We do busking performances at the beginning of every semester, and we also have regular stage performances. In addition, we interact and communicate with several domestic street workout teams, promoting this exercise throughout the country. Also, in January 2016, we appeared on the SBS television show Star King.

IT: Finally, could you tell us about any other benefits that being part of Barcrobatic Soulz offers?

Kim Ho Yeon: Sure. Since one of our club beliefs is to renounce smoking and drinking, I have been able keep my body healthy and in great physical condition. I also find it great that we can enjoy our outdoor hobby everywhere we go. Moreover, I enjoy the friendships that I’ve built with all of the other members. Barcrobatic Soulz allows you to try some exhilarating exercise and meet some great people!

이준  junei95@naver.com

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